An easy-to-use and authoritative pocket guide to over 220 species of snake from around the world, each entry specially selected to show the diversity of size, shape and colour of these respected creatures. There are about 2,500 species of snakes in the world, and the majority of these can be found in warmer parts of Europe, North America, southern Africa, southeast Asia and Australia. Of these often beautiful creatures, about 400 are some of the most venomous creatures in the world, and over 100 of them are deadly to humans. You can spot these easily as they are illustrated with a skull and crossbones, so you won't be in any doubt about keeping away from them! Arranged into 15 families of most closely related species, this book will guide you through each one. Details are given of: * Size and shape* Senses* Feeding* Self-defence* Camouflage* Reproduction* Habitats* Conservation Each entry is illustrated with a full-colour photograph, and there is an ID factfile to help enable quick and accurate idenitification. Packed full of fascinating information, Collins Gem Snakes is the perfect introduction for any budding herpatologist.